Slow/no wake order issued for the Fourth of July in Beloit area

BELOIT—Boaters are asked to honor a slow/no wake order on the Rock River from the Beloit Rock Town Line Road Bridge south to the state line on Friday, July 4.

The order will be in effect from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

“This area of the Rock River becomes very chaotic and dangerous due to the large number of boats (during the) fireworks celebration,” according to a news release. “The slow/no-wake restriction will insure all boaters are traveling at a safe speed before and after the event.

The Rock County Sheriff's Office and town of Beloit police will have boat patrols on the water to enforce safety rules and the slow/no wake order, according to the release.

Rock County Sheriff Bob Spoden declared the restriction after consulting with city and town of Beloit officials, according to the news release.